12/31/2025
Elizabeth Mary ‘Betty’ Potts née Eiken
Elizabeth M. “Betty” Potts, 83, of Taos passed away at sunset on Friday, December 26, 2025, at St. Mary’s Hospital surrounded by her family.
Elizabeth was born on September 14, 1942, in Taos to the late Leo and Anna (Rustemeyer) Eiken. She grew up in Taos and attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic Grade School. A lifelong member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, she married Carl Potts there on June 21, 1975. Together, they made their home in Taos and raised two children, Jeffrey and Janice.
Elizabeth took great pride in creating a warm and welcoming home. One of her greatest joys in life was becoming a grandmother, and she treasured every opportunity to babysit and lovingly spoil her grandchildren. In fact, in 2009, she retired from her position as head cook at St. Francis Xavier School to watch her youngest grandson. She had a deep passion for quilting and sewing, pouring care into every piece she made. Elizabeth also had a special place in her heart for animals and found joy in caring for her beloved furry companions. Known for her “green thumb,” Elizabeth enjoyed tending to her flowers—especially sunflowers, roses, and African Violets—and caring for her vegetable garden.
Survivors include two children; Jeffrey (Michelle) Potts of Centertown, Janice (John) Samson of Taos; grandchildren, Brooke (Lakota) Peppel, Skylar Potts, Olivia Potts, Bryson Samson and Paige Dooling, great-grandchildren, Bucklee Peppel, Quincy Peppel and Sophie Peppel; brother, Harold Eiken of Holts Summit; and many nieces and nephews. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her loving husband, Carl, on May 12, 2006; brother, Cornelius Eiken; and sisters, Agatha Peitzmeyer and Alberta Hagenhoff.
Visitation will be Friday, January 2, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Trimble Funeral Homes-Jefferson City with a prayer service beginning at 3:30 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Taos. Reverend Kelechi Uzuegbu will officiate. Burial will be in Saint Francis Xavier Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested for Mass intentions.
Trimble Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. trimblefunerals.com
